UIC led 44-30 at the half as the ice-cold Vikings missed 18 of their first 20 shots.

"We had a sense of urgency as seniors," Barnes said. "Our hour glass is done, but we put more sand in it to go along. Me, Josh (Crittle) and (Anthony Kelley) … we said that we don't want to leave yet. We want to keep fighting and enjoy practice. We came out and just wanted to win."

For various reasons over the past four years or so, Cleveland State has handled UIC. This season's edition featured freshman guard Bryn Forbes, who was named Horizon League Newcomer of the Year this week after averaging 12.6 points during the regular season. But Forbes struggled from the field (5 of 16) Tuesday night along with the rest of his teammates.

Charlie Lee led the Vikings with 17 points and Forbes wound up with 16, but Cleveland State (14-18) hit on just 19 of 60 shots for 32 percent.

UIC earned its highest seed since the 2007-08 season and took advantage of hosting a first-round contest. The Flames advance to the quarterfinals for the first time since the 2008-09 season. UIC (17-14) improved its home record to 11-4.

"I am really proud of my entire team and really encouraged by my seniors," Moore said. "I gave them a challenge going into this game after the Detroit loss (Saturday). If they want to keep playing, if they want to keep practicing, if they want to extend this season … then they have to finish what they started. They have to have the right approach, and they definitely did that.

"They came out aggressive; they came out willing to impose their will. And the result is a pretty resounding victory. But we're not satisfied. We are ready to move on."